Located in the region of Conca de Barberà, we find a charming medieval village: Montblanc. The municipality has a privileged place, as, in addition to being at the gateway to the magnificent Prades Mountains, it is approximately 30 kilometres from towns of Costa Dorada, such as Tarragona, La Pineda, Salou and Cambrils, and just over an hour from the Catalan capital, Barcelona.
The history of the municipality dates to the 12th century, when, shortly after its foundation, construction began on the first walls protecting the castle, on the small hill of Pla de Santa Bárbara. Today, this town is considered to have the most walled enclosure in Catalonia and, during the week of Sant Jordi, the town goes back to the Middle Ages to tell us what its origins were like.
We invite you to experience firt-hand the Sant Jordi Medieval Week in Montblanc. Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, to get to this town, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The legend of Sant Jordi
Many years ago, in Montblanc, the inhabitants were being terrorised by a terrible dragon that infested the air and water with its poisonous breath, and that, in search of food, came closer and closer to the walls of the town.
The desperate inhabitants began to offer him their animals to keep him calm, but when they ran out, they were forced to continue feeding him with the people of Montblanc themselves.
Every day, at random, a neighbour was chosen, including the royal family of Montblanc, to be slaughtered the following morning. The day came when it was the princess‘s turn and the king, with all his sorrow, had to hand her over to the dragon.
When the beast approached ready to eat, a heroic knight, named Jordi, appeared, mounted on a white horse and armed, challenging the beast. After a fierce battle, Jordi managed to tame the beast and lead it to the gates of the village, where, in front of all the villagers, he ended its life, becoming a hero.
There are several versions of the end of this story. The most repeated one tells that from the pool of the dragon’s blood, a large rosebush of red roses sprouted, from which the knight plucked one of them and gave it to the princess.
This feat brought Jordi fame and popularity, making him the patron saint of chivalry and nobility. Since then, Sant Jordi’s Day has been celebrated on the 23rd of April, when roses and books are exchanged throughout Catalonia as symbols of love and culture.
Main events of the Montblanc Medieval Week
One of the main novelties of this edition is that Montblanc has hosted the delivery of the first rose of Catalonia, as an inaugural act. This ritual consists of a representative person giving a rose to the municipality, making it the first Catalan town to receive it, thus inaugurating the festival.
One of the most emblematic events of Medieval Week is the re-enactment of the legend of Sant Jordi. This show has been performed for more than 35 years and consists of an event of fire, music and projections on the wall, where the legend of the knight Sant Jordi is relived.
Another great attraction is the medieval market and exhibition of crafts, which is held during the two weekends around the 23rd of April, in the streets and squares of the town centre. In this market you can find stalls with period products and handicrafts. The wine and cava market is also held to coincide with the medieval market, with the participation of up to fifteen wineries from the Conca de Barberà region. Visitors can find out about the variety and production of the products, as well as taste them.
Every year, on the 23rd of April, the day of Sant Jordi, Montblanc celebrates it with the representation of the Delivery of the Rose. The knight Sant Jordi gives the Rose to the Princess, as the legend says, in an act full of colour, music and dance.
This day has an extensive programme with a wide range of cultural and leisure activities, such as workshops, conferences, medieval games, shows, meals, among others.
Remember that with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, you can travel to Montblanc from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
What to visit in the medieval quarter of Montblanc
Surrounded by the walls, built in the 14th century and perfectly preserved, we find the historic centre of the town of Montblanc, with buildings, streets and squares full of history that are well worth a visit.
Situated in front of the wall, specifically at Portal de Sant Francesc, we discover the main artery of the town, Carrer Major. It is a pedestrian street, full of shops, patisseries, art galleries and, above all, a lot of life. If we walk along it, we come across Plaça de Sant Miquel, where we find the Church of Sant Miquel, a 13th century building with a Romanesque façade and Gothic interior.
We continue walking and we come across Plaça Major, distinguished by its semicircular arches and for being the place where Montblanc’s town council is located.
Next to Plaça Major, we are in front of the church of Santa Maria, one of the most emblematic buildings in the town. Everyone who visits it is amazed by its imposing Baroque façade and its immense interior with its high ceilings. Moreover, if we look at its bell tower, we can see the largest bell in the whole Archdiocese of Tarragona. Undoubtedly, an architectural jewel of the province.
Don’t think twice and take part in the Montblanc Medieval Week! Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, to get to this town from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
